HealthSheets™

Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.

Caring for Yourself When You Have Kidney Failure

Kidney failure and its treatment will mean changes in your daily life. Whatever changes you need to make, your healthcare team can help you with them.

In most cases, you will be able to continue working.

Your daily life

You may wonder how your treatment will fit into the rest of your life. But, with some changes, you can live a full life with kidney failure. If you work, talk to your employer about any changes you need to make in your duties or schedule. You may find that your energy levels go up and down and that you notice new physical problems. If you aren't able to do your daily activities as before, your healthcare provider may suggest treatments or send you to physical therapy.

Food, drink, and medicines

No matter which treatment you choose, you’ll have some limits on what you eat and drink. A dietitian will help you learn these. Specifically, you may need to avoid foods that are high in salt, potassium, or phosphorus.

Treatment means taking medicines. Some of these you need to take one or more times a day. Others are given to you during treatment or healthcare provider visits. Have a list of the medicines you take. Show it to any healthcare provider you visit. Also check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any medicine, including aspirin, that is not on the list. Many medicines are eliminated or processed by kidneys. Your dosage may have to be adjusted by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Other medicines, such as the IV dye injected during some body scans, may harm your kidneys, and you may not be allowed to take them.

Making healthy choices

You can make choices about your lifestyle that will help your treatment work better. Exercise may reduce your treatment’s side effects, and can help you control your weight and blood pressure. Ask your healthcare team which types of exercise are good for you. If you smoke, it’s important that you quit. Smoking constricts blood vessels and causes infections, which are both dangerous to people with kidney failure. Talk to your healthcare team about quitting. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, it's important to control your sugar levels and blood pressure as directed by your healthcare provider. Keep your weight in a normal range for your body, and keep your cholesterol levels controlled, as well.

Looking after your health

With the right treatment, you should begin to feel better. If you follow all the guidelines you are given and still don’t feel well, tell your healthcare provider. Some changes may need to be made in your treatment. You will need regular checkups with your healthcare provider.

Things to know

Circle the statements below that are true for you. For each statement you don’t circle, ask a healthcare provider to help you learn what you need to know: